Toro 20339 Review

If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable snow blower to handle tough winters, you’ve likely come across the Toro 20339. This Toro 20339 review aims to give you a clear, honest look at its performance and features to see if it’s the right fit for your driveway. We’ll break down everything from its engine power to its real-world handling, so you can make a confident choice.

Winter storms don’t wait, and having the right equipment makes all the difference. The Toro Power Clear 20339 is a two-stage gas snow blower designed for mid to large-sized driveways. It promises quick starts and strong throwing distance, but how does it actually hold up? Let’s find out.

This section covers the core specifications and what you can expect right out of the box. The Toro 20339 is built for efficiency, but it’s important to know the details before you commit.

Key Specifications and Features

The Toro 20339 comes with a set of features aimed at making snow removal less of a chore. Here are the main specs you need to know:

Engine: 212cc Toro Premium 4-Cycle engine
Clearing Width: 24 inches
Intake Height: 21 inches
Auger Material: Steel with a durable polyurethane coating
Drive System: 6 forward speeds, 1 reverse speed
Chute Control: Hand-operated, 200-degree rotation
Starting System: Electric start (battery included) with backup recoil

First Impressions and Assembly

Unboxing the Toro 20339 is straightforward. Most of the machine comes pre-assembled, which is a huge plus. You’ll mainly need to attach the chute and the handle. The instructions are clear, and you should be ready in under 30 minutes with basic tools.

One thing you’ll notice immediately is the build quality. It feels sturdy without being overly heavy. The controls are clearly labeled and within easy reach from the handles. The electric start battery comes pre-charged, which is a nice touch for getting started right away.

Performance in Different Snow Conditions

This is where the Toro 20339 really proves its worth. It’s designed to handle a variety of snowfall types, from light powder to the heavy, wet stuff.

Light and Powdery Snow

In light snow, this machine is a breeze to operate. It glides smoothly and can clear a wide path quickly. The two-stage system throws snow far away from your path, which is great for preventing buildup along the edges of your driveway.

Heavy, Wet Snow and Ice

The true test for any snow blower is the heavy, packed snow. The 20339’s steel auger bites in effectively. The serrated auger edges help break up icy layers underneath. While no machine is perfect with solid ice, it handles packed snow much better than many single-stage models.

It’s important to note that in extremly wet snow, you may need to slow your pace a bit. Taking smaller bites ensures the machine doesn’t get clogged and maintains a good throwing distance.

Operating and Handling

Ease of use is a major selling point. The 6 forward speeds let you match your pace to the snow depth and density. The self-propelled drive is powerful but not jerky, giving you good control.

Turning: The 20339 turns relatively easy for a two-stage blower. Using the differential lock on one wheel helps you pivot when needed.
Chute Control: The manual chute control is simple. A crank adjusts direction, and a lever controls the pitch. It’s intuitive, even with gloves on.
Noise and Vibration: As a gas engine, it’s loud, but ear protection is recommended. Vibration is minimal thanks to the engine design.

Maintenance and Storage

Proper care will extend the life of your snow blower significantly. Toro has made several maintenance tasks quite simple.

After Each Use: Let the machine run for a few minutes after clearing snow to melt any ice buildup inside. Wipe it down to prevent rust.
Regular Checks: Check the shear pins and skid shoes regularly for wear. These are designed to break to protect the auger, so having spares is wise.
End of Season: Add fuel stabilizer to the tank or drain the fuel completely. This is crucial for easy starts next winter.

Storage is easy due to its compact design. The folding handles reduce its footprint in your garage or shed, which is a feature not all models have.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Based on extensive use, here is a straightforward list of advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages

Electric start works reliably, even in very cold temperatures.
Powerful clearing performance for its size class.
Simple, user-friendly controls that are easy to understand.
Folding handles for compact storage are a major space-saver.
Good fuel efficiency; you won’t be constantly refilling the tank.

Drawbacks

The headlight is not as bright as some users would like for early morning or late evening storms.
Manual chute control, while reliable, means stopping to adjust direction unlike some higher-end joystick models.
It can struggle with deep, dense snow drifts over 12 inches if you try to clear to much at once.

Who Is The Toro 20339 Best For?

This snow blower isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for a specific set of needs. It’s an excellent choice for:

Homeowners with a medium to large driveway (2-4 car lengths).
Those who face frequent heavy, wet snowfalls.
Anyone who values quick, reliable electric starts over pull-cords.
Users with limited storage space who benefit from the folding handles.

If you have a very small, paved path or only get light dustings, a single-stage blower might be more cost-effective. Conversely, for very long driveways or commercial properties, a larger professional model could be better suited.

Final Verdict

The Toro Power Clear 20339 stands out as a dependable and well-designed two-stage snow blower. It balances power with manageability, making it a top contender for serious homeowners. While it has minor limitations, its core performance, ease of use, and thoughtful features like the folding handles make it a strong investment for conquering winter.

It delivers on its main promises: starting easily, moving snow effectively, and being built to last. For the price point, it offers a lot of value and can significantly reduce the time and effort you spend on snow removal each year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the Toro 20339 compare to other models?

Compared to similar models from Ariens or Cub Cadet, the Toro 20339 often scores higher for its user-friendly design and reliable electric start. It might have slightly less raw power than some, but its overall balance is excellent for most residential needs.

Is the Toro 20339 easy to maneuver?

Yes, for a two-stage blower, it is quite easy to maneuver. The self-propelled drive does most of the work, and the differential lock helps with tight turns. The machine’s weight is distributed well, so it doesn’t feel overly heavy.

What is the warranty on the Toro 20339 snow blower?

Toro typically offers a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Always check the specific warranty details with your retailer at the time of purchase, as terms can sometimes change.

Can the Toro 20339 handle gravel driveways?

Yes, but you need to adjust the skid shoes to their highest setting to keep the auger housing well above the gravel. This prevents stones from being picked up and thrown, which could damage the machine or property.

How much snow can the Toro 20339 clear?

It’s rated for snow depths up to 21 inches. In practice, for the best performance, it’s good to clear more frequentlly in major storms rather than letting over a foot accumulate. For deep drifts, taking multiple passes is the most effective strategy.